The readings for 1st Sunday in Lent are Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Psalm 32, Romans 5:12-19, and Matthew 4:1-11. This week we explore how removing a single predator from a coastal ecosystem caused biodiversity to collapse by 50%—and what this ecological lesson reveals about Jesus's temptation, human hubris, and our interconnectedness with creation. This First Sunday of Lent episode challenges us to slow down, practice humility, and consider the far-reaching consequences of our actions on both people and the natural world.

Remember to answer this week's question: Where have you been humbled recently? #FaithandSciPod

If you're wanting to hear other podcasts on these texts check out: 2-26-23 -Reacting with God! 3-1-20 - Ethics and Sustainability are Complicated

I look forward to all of your feedback, Tyler Bublitz

Music used in the podcast: March On by Silent Partner Porches and Universes by Puddle of Infinity

Social Media: X: @FaithandSciPod Facebook Group: Faith and Science Podcast Group Facebook Company Page: The Faith and Science Podcast LinkedIn: Faith and Science Podcast Email: thefaithandsciencepodcast@gmail.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithandSciPod

References: The Green Blades Preaching Roundtable (Weekly) or Green Blades Rising Publications (Monthly) reach out to ecofaith@nemnsynod.org and say which you would like to sign up for! - https://nemnsynod.org/ecofaith-network/ https://www.ecofaithnetwork.org/ https://savetheelephants.org/about-elephants/the-importance-of-elephants/ https://www.nps.gov/articles/north-american-beaver-acadia.htm https://www.worldwildlife.org/resources/explainers/wildlife-climate-heroes/why-wildebeest-are-a-climate-hero-of-the-savanna/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351989418300969 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsEOBZbxBr0 https://faculty.fiu.edu/~trexlerj/Advanced_Ecology/Paine_1966.pdf https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2307/1936888 https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-man-whose-dynasty-changed-ecology/

The readings for Transfiguration Sunday are Exodus 24:12-18, Psalm 2 or Psalm 99, 2 Peter 1:16-21, and Matthew 17:1-9. This week examines how human sight—limited to just 380-780 nanometers of the electromagnetic spectrum—mirrors our spiritual limitations, drawing parallels between our narrow visible range and Peter's reaction at the transfiguration. As Lent approaches, the episode challenges listeners to slow down and recognize that God works beyond what we can perceive.

Remember to answer this week's question: How are you preparing to sit and listen in Lent, instead of relying solely on what your eyes can see? #FaithandSciPod

If you're wanting to hear other podcasts on these texts check out: 2-19-23 - Change is Required! 2-23-20 - What are We Moving Towards?

I look forward to all of your feedback, Tyler Bublitz

Music used in the podcast: March On by Silent Partner Porches and Universes by Puddle of Infinity

Social Media: X: @FaithandSciPod Facebook Group: Faith and Science Podcast Group Facebook Company Page: The Faith and Science Podcast LinkedIn: Faith and Science Podcast Email: thefaithandsciencepodcast@gmail.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithandSciPod

References: The Green Blades Preaching Roundtable (Weekly) or Green Blades Rising Publications (Monthly) reach out to ecofaith@nemnsynod.org and say which you would like to sign up for! - https://nemnsynod.org/ecofaith-network/ https://www.ecofaithnetwork.org/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_spectrum https://science.nasa.gov/ems/09_visiblelight/ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/photoreceptors-rods-and-cones https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/animals-can-see-colors-we-cant-and-new-tech-offers-us-a-glimpse/#:~:text=The%20rainbow%20looks%20different%20to,wavelengths%20or%20properties%20of%20light. https://science.nasa.gov/ems/01_intro/ https://science.nasa.gov/ems/ https://scied.ucar.edu/learning-zone/earth-system/electromagnetic-spectrum

The readings for this week for the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany are Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), and Matthew 5:13-20. This week in the podcast, we explore what it means to truly be "salt of the earth" and "light of the world" from Matthew 5:13-20, using science to illustrate why these metaphors matter. It challenges us listeners to move beyond going through the motions of faith and instead actively live it out in abundance, just as God exceeds expectations rather than merely meeting them. The discussion wrestles with how busyness can distract us from genuine reflection and connection with God, ultimately asking: where do you need to put in the work to continue being the salt and the light? Thanks again for taking the time to listen, and I hope this is a tool that you find useful.

Remember to answer this week's question: Where do you need to put in work to continue being the salt and the light? #FaithandSciPod

If you're wanting to hear other podcasts on these texts check out: 2-5-23 - Challenging our Faith and Science to Move Forward! 2-9-20 - The Salt and the Light that We Need!

I look forward to all of your feedback, Tyler Bublitz

Music used in the podcast: March On by Silent Partner Porches and Universes by Puddle of Infinity

Social Media: X: @FaithandSciPod Facebook Group: Faith and Science Podcast Group Facebook Company Page: The Faith and Science Podcast LinkedIn: Faith and Science Podcast Email: thefaithandsciencepodcast@gmail.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithandSciPod

References: The Green Blades Preaching Roundtable (Weekly) or Green Blades Rising Publications (Monthly) reach out to ecofaith@nemnsynod.org and say which you would like to sign up for! - https://nemnsynod.org/ecofaith-network/ https://www.ecofaithnetwork.org/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt_(chemistry) https://www.britannica.com/science/photosynthesis https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Microbiology/Microbiology_(OpenStax)/08:_Microbial_Metabolism/8.06:_Photosynthesis_and_the_Importance_of_Light https://www.nigms.nih.gov/education/fact-sheets/Pages/circadian-rhythms https://www.britannica.com/science/speed-of-light

The readings for this week for the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany are Micah 6:1-8, Psalm 15, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, and Matthew 5:1-12. The readings for the Presentation of the Lord are Malachi 3:1-4, Psalm 84 or Psalm 24:7-10, Hebrews 2:14-18, and Luke 2:22-40. This week we explore the Beatitudes and the Presentation of Our Lord through the lens of psychological well-being research. Discover how modern studies on post-traumatic growth, purpose, and the "hedonic treadmill" illuminate Jesus' teachings about the blessed are the poor in spirit, those who mourn, and the meek. Through the patient waiting of Simeon and Anna, we see how seeking after God through life's difficulties—rather than avoiding them—leads to genuine spiritual, mental, and physical growth. Join us as we examine where faith and science converge on the transformative power of facing challenges with purpose. Thanks again for taking the time to listen, and I hope this is a tool that you find useful.

Remember to answer this week's question: Where in your life do you need to stop and reflect and think about things? #FaithandSciPod

If you're wanting to hear other podcasts on these texts check out: 1-29-23 - The Difficulty of the Beatitudes! 2-2-20 - We Should be Expecting Change!

I look forward to all of your feedback, Tyler Bublitz

Music used in the podcast: March On by Silent Partner Porches and Universes by Puddle of Infinity

Social Media: X: @FaithandSciPod Facebook Group: Faith and Science Podcast Group Facebook Company Page: The Faith and Science Podcast LinkedIn: Faith and Science Podcast Email: thefaithandsciencepodcast@gmail.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithandSciPod

References: The Green Blades Preaching Roundtable (Weekly) or Green Blades Rising Publications (Monthly) reach out to ecofaith@nemnsynod.org and say which you would like to sign up for! - https://nemnsynod.org/ecofaith-network/ https://www.ecofaithnetwork.org/ https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1011492107 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedonic_treadmill https://gwern.net/doc/psychology/1978-brickman.pdf https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1011492107 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8827649/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4241300/ https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2208661120 https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1011492107 https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/0807014273

The readings for this week for the Third Sunday after Epiphany are Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, and Matthew 4:12-23. In this episode, we explore how Jesus transforms from cautious to bold after John the Baptist's arrest, fully stepping into his divine ministry as the "light of the world." Using the physics of wave-particle duality and research on how light affects our brains and circadian rhythms, we discover parallels between our physical need for light and our spiritual need for Christ's presence. Just as light therapy can lift the burden of seasonal affective disorder and help us feel truly alive, Jesus reconnects us with the divine in ways that transform our spiritual wellbeing. The question becomes: are we genuinely connecting with Christ's light, or are we creating barriers that block it from reaching ourselves and others? Thanks again for taking the time to listen, and I hope this is a tool that you find useful.

Remember to answer this week's question: How does light affect you? #FaithandSciPod

If you're wanting to hear other podcasts on these texts check out: 1-26-20 - Using ALL of your Abilities 1-22-23 - Growing Together into our Calling

I look forward to all of your feedback, Tyler Bublitz

Music used in the podcast: March On by Silent Partner Porches and Universes by Puddle of Infinity

Social Media: X: @FaithandSciPod Facebook Group: Faith and Science Podcast Group Facebook Company Page: The Faith and Science Podcast LinkedIn: Faith and Science Podcast Email: thefaithandsciencepodcast@gmail.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithandSciPod

References: The Green Blades Preaching Roundtable (Weekly) or Green Blades Rising Publications (Monthly) reach out to ecofaith@nemnsynod.org and say which you would like to sign up for! - https://nemnsynod.org/ecofaith-network/ https://www.ecofaithnetwork.org/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6751071/ https://www.nature.com/articles/s44323-025-00029-1 https://www.nature.com/articles/tp2016262 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6746555/ https://www.britannica.com/science/wave-particle-duality https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Physical_and_Theoretical_Chemistry_Textbook_Maps/Supplemental_Modules_(Physical_and_Theoretical_Chemistry)/Quantum_Mechanics/02._Fundamental_Concepts_of_Quantum_Mechanics/Wave-Particle_Duality https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wave%E2%80%93particle_duality https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kfGRO6msQw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfQH3o6dKss https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Edwsf-8F3sI

The readings for this week for the Second Sunday after Epiphany are Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, and John 1:29-42. What if the key to launching something extraordinary isn't just courage, but being truly seen? This week we explore the neuroscience of acknowledgment—how being recognized by others triggers dopamine and oxytocin in our brains, lowering stress and building the trust we need to take bold steps forward. The brain chemistry reveals why New Year's resolutions fail when kept private but succeed when others know and support our goals. Discover how a simple act of recognition can literally rewire someone's brain and give them the momentum to change the world. Thanks again for taking the time to listen, and I hope this is a tool that you find useful.

Remember to answer this week's question: Who are you going to acknowledge? Who are you going to recognize? Who are you going to support this week? #FaithandSciPod

If you're wanting to hear other podcasts on these texts check out: 1-19-20 - Finding the Messengers 1-15-23 - Come and See what You will Discover

I look forward to all of your feedback, Tyler Bublitz

Music used in the podcast: March On by Silent Partner Porches and Universes by Puddle of Infinity

Social Media: X: @FaithandSciPod Facebook Group: Faith and Science Podcast Group Facebook Company Page: The Faith and Science Podcast LinkedIn: Faith and Science Podcast Email: thefaithandsciencepodcast@gmail.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithandSciPod

References: The Green Blades Preaching Roundtable (Weekly) or Green Blades Rising Publications (Monthly) reach out to ecofaith@nemnsynod.org and say which you would like to sign up for! - https://nemnsynod.org/ecofaith-network/ https://www.ecofaithnetwork.org/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4518468/#:~:text=Decreased%20EEG%20power%20in%20the,pathways%20may%20mediate%20social%20preference. https://www.cmu.edu/dietrich/psychology/cognitiveaxon/documents/Erickson_etal_2014.pdf https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/will-a-purpose-driven-life-help-you-live-longer-2019112818378 https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/neuro/conditioninfo

The readings for this week for the First Sunday after Epiphany or the Baptism of the Lord are Isaiah 42:1-9, Psalm 29, Acts 10:34-43, and Matthew 3:13-17. What do Newton's Laws of Motion have to do with Jesus' baptism and your fading New Year's resolutions? This week's episode explores why a body in motion stays in motion—and why your faith should too. In the podcast we will unpack how Peter's testimony in Acts calls us to maintain spiritual momentum rather than becoming complacent, using physics and distance running to reveal why the first step matters and why keeping moving is everything. Thanks again for taking the time to listen, and I hope this is a tool that you find useful.

Remember to answer this week's question: What are some different goals and aspirations that you have for this year and how are you going to achieve them? #FaithandSciPod

If you're wanting to hear other podcasts on these texts check out: 1-12-20 - You are Qualified! 1-8-23 - The Power within Water

I look forward to all of your feedback, Tyler Bublitz

Music used in the podcast: March On by Silent Partner Porches and Universes by Puddle of Infinity

Social Media: X: @FaithandSciPod Facebook Group: Faith and Science Podcast Group Facebook Company Page: The Faith and Science Podcast LinkedIn: Faith and Science Podcast Email: thefaithandsciencepodcast@gmail.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithandSciPod

References: The Green Blades Preaching Roundtable (Weekly) or Green Blades Rising Publications (Monthly) reach out to ecofaith@nemnsynod.org and say which you would like to sign up for! - https://nemnsynod.org/ecofaith-network/ https://www.ecofaithnetwork.org/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newton%27s_laws_of_motion

Surprise! We have made it to 8 Years of doing the Faith and Science Podcast. Yesterday, December 30th, was our birthday. It has been quite a ride and I am so thankful for everyone tuning in and listening as we have made 400+ podcasts. I am excited with some ideas for the podcast next year and I look forward to seeing where this continues to go. Here's to the next year and Thank you for all the support, Tyler Bublitz